Olfaction, or the sense of smell, declines with aging possibly as a result of generalized atrophy of the olfactory bulbs and a moderate loss of olfactory neurons. Smell is a protective mechanism, and persons who cannot smell may be at risk for exposure to environmental hazards. For example, people who cannot smell smoke would be at particular risk if a fire broke out.
The sense of taste decreases with aging, but it is believed to be less affected than olfaction. Because taste and smell are necessary for the enjoyment of food flavor, older adults may not enjoy eating as much as in their youth. Drugs and disease also may affect taste. Alterations in taste and smell, along with other factors such as eating alone, decreased ability to purchase and prepare food, and the high cost of some foods, may account for poor nutritional intake in some older adults. Conversely, the lack of sensory feedback may lead the person to eat more and gain weight. A decline in taste is more pronounced among older adults with Alzheimer's disease, presumably because of the neuropathologic changes in the brain.
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